Brian Roberts is a two-time All-Star who twice led the American League in doubles and once in stolen bases.

But that was a long time ago, at least in baseball terms. The 35-year-old second baseman has missed most of the last three seasons with various injuries, and he understands why some Baltimore Orioles fans doubt he will ever be an everyday player again.

"I don't hold anything against anyone that doesn't think I can do it anymore. That's fine," Roberts told MASNSports.com. "I had people 12 years ago that thought that, so it's not anything new. I'm excited just to play. I never played for what people thought. I play because I love the game. I play because I still feel I can help this organization. I still think I can help win games. I guess only time will tell if that's true or not."

Roberts had surgery to repair a sports hernia on Dec. 20, another in a long line of health issues he has dealt with since playing 159 games in 2009. Roberts said the procedure will require just a month of recovery time and that his rehab from hip surgery is going well. He expects to be “full-go” for spring training.

If healthy, Roberts will compete for the starting second base job with Ryan Flaherty this spring.

"I'm really looking forward to being on the field the first day (of spring training) and doing what everyone else is doing," he said. "Being a normal guy again. It's been a long journey to get to this point and I'm trying to enjoy it and not take it for granted."

The oft-injured Roberts played in only 17 games last season and had season-ending hip surgery in August. Because of myriad injuries, he played in just 39 games in 2011 and 59 games in 2010.

Roberts once was among the majors’ premier leadoff men, averaging a .290/.365/.438 stat line with 101 runs, 12 homers, 63 RBIs and 35 stolen bases from 2004-09. He was an AL All-Star in 2005 and 2007.